Members of City Harvest Church in Singapore Stand by Their Pastor after He is Convicted in Court

Even after their pastor received a guilty verdict at his recent trial, members of City Harvest Church in Singapore appear to still be supportive of him.

The Christian Post reports that City Harvest megachurch Pastor Kong Hee was convicted of misusing more than $35 million in church donations to fund his wife Sun Ho’s popstar career. Kong was convicted along with six other City Harvest members, although they all maintained their innocence throughout the trial.

In a video released by City News, a website affiliated with City Harvest, church members voice their support for their convicted pastor.

"When I first found out about the verdict, I was disappointed,” says one congregant. “But I believe that God has a plan for this church. I have grown up in this church since I was 3, and I believe that this church is a place where everyone can grow up together.”

Yahoo News, however, questions the truthfulness of the sentiments expressed in the video, pointing out that it was released by a website affiliated with City Harvest, so of course it is going to view Pastor Kong favorably.

The Christian Post reports that Kong and his wife founded City Harvest in 1989.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. Thank you for standing strong in these past five years and five months. Thank you for your steadfast love, belief and encouragement. Thank you for the grace you have shown toward me as your pastor,” Kong wrote on Facebook.

"Thank you for loving me in my spirituality, and also in my imperfect humanity. I want you to know that your prayers for the team and our families have given us wings to ride on in our darkest moments. I love you very much, City Harvest Church," he added.